⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: OpenVPN has a $0 Free plan and a $7/month Growth plan. Malwarebytes starts at $44.99/yr.
- Best for: OpenVPN suits IT teams and self-hosters. Malwarebytes VPN suits home users who want antivirus plus a VPN.
- Key difference: OpenVPN is an open source VPN protocol and platform. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is a ready-made app built on WireGuard.
- Our pick: OpenVPN (4.3/5). It costs nothing to start, and anyone can audit its code.
OpenVPN and Malwarebytes VPN both promise a secure tunnel for your data traffic.
But they aren’t the same kind of product.
OpenVPN is an open source VPN protocol you can run on your own server.
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is a ready-made app from a well-known antivirus brand.
One gives you control. The other gives you convenience.
This guide shows which trade-off fits you.
Overview
This OpenVPN vs Malwarebytes VPN comparison covers pricing, encryption, speed, privacy, and ease of use.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and published user reviews for both tools.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each one.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
What is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is an open source tunneling protocol created in 2001.
It builds a secure tunnel between a VPN client and a VPN server.
It uses Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) to set up that tunnel.
The OpenVPN company, once called OpenVPN Technologies, sells business products like Access Server.
Home users can grab the free OpenVPN Community Edition instead.
OpenVPN is one protocol that most VPN providers also ship inside their own apps.
OpenVPN works by wrapping data packets inside extra encrypted layers.
It offers better security than most VPN protocols, including older ones like PPTP.
Security guides often place it on lists of the safest VPN protocols.
Here’s a quick video walkthrough of what the platform does.
🏆 Winner: OpenVPN
Own your VPN server and your encryption keys. Audit every line of code. Start free and scale when your team grows.
OpenVPN Pricing
These are the business plans for OpenVPN’s hosted products in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Small teams testing a few connections |
| Growth | $7/month | Growing teams adding remote users |
| Enterprise | Custom | Large networks with compliance needs |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: The Free plan works as an open-ended trial. You can test real VPN connections before paying.
Money-back guarantee: There’s no formal refund window. Plans are pay-as-you-go, so you can cancel anytime.
📌 Note: The Community Edition sits outside these plans. It’s the free OpenVPN software you host yourself. The OpenVPN Connect client software is free too.
⚠️ Warning: Check how the Growth plan counts connections. Your bill rises as you add remote users.
Key Benefits of OpenVPN
Here’s what makes OpenVPN worth a look:
- Open Code: Anyone can inspect the open source OpenVPN protocol. A global developer community spots and patches flaws fast.
- TCP or UDP: OpenVPN TCP delivers every packet in order. OpenVPN UDP skips that check to gain speed.
- Your Choice of Ciphers: Pick encryption ciphers like AES or Blowfish and set key lengths. The OpenSSL library supports many encryption algorithms.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy: One leaked key can’t unlock every past session. That limits the damage from a breach.
- Firewall Friendly: It slips through firewalls and NAT gateways that block other VPN protocols. That makes it hard for an internet service provider to stop.
- Runs Almost Anywhere: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS all work. So do Tomato routers and even Solaris.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for OpenVPN and set up a working OpenVPN server from scratch. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
OpenVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Open source code anyone can audit
- Free Community Edition for self-hosting
- Supports both TCP and UDP transport
- Works on routers and lesser-known operating systems
❌ Cons
- Slower than newer protocols like WireGuard
- Manual configuration can be complex
- Less polished on mobile devices than desktop
What is Malwarebytes VPN?
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is a consumer VPN service from antivirus software maker Malwarebytes.
The brand began as an anti malware solution, then added privacy tools.
The VPN runs on the WireGuard protocol for quicker connections.
It offers 470+ worldwide servers across 45+ countries.
That server network comes from a partnership with Mullvad VPN.
It’s built for people who want one app, one tap, and no setup.
This video shows the app and its settings in action.
Malwarebytes VPN
Antivirus and a WireGuard VPN under one login. Flip one switch to hide your IP address. Try it risk-free for 60 days.
Malwarebytes VPN Pricing
Malwarebytes sells its VPN inside yearly security plans. Here’s the 2026 lineup.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $44.99/yr | Antivirus-only buyers |
| Plus | $59.99/yr | Antivirus plus Privacy VPN |
| Total | $159.99/yr | Device security, VPN, and identity protection |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: Yes. The Privacy VPN comes with a 7-day trial period.
Money-back guarantee: 60 days on the Privacy VPN.
📌 Note: VPN pricing scales by simultaneous connections, from one device up to five. Every tier gets all the same features. You can pay by PayPal or card, but not crypto.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list the standalone VPN at $39.99/yr for one device. Three devices run $49.99/yr, and five run $59.99/yr. Confirm at checkout. Malwarebytes offers no discounts, and VAT can add up to 20% in some countries.
Key Benefits of Malwarebytes VPN
Here are the important features that make Malwarebytes VPN useful:
- WireGuard by Default: Every connection uses WireGuard. You never have to pick a protocol.
- Kill Switch: If the VPN drops, all network traffic stops. Your real IP never leaks.
- Connection Rules: This split tunneling tool lets certain apps or IP addresses skip the VPN. Banking apps are a common use.
- MultiHop: Route traffic through two servers in different countries. It’s an extra layer, not the same server twice.
- No-Logs Policy: Malwarebytes says it doesn’t track, store, or share network data. That covers DNS requests and bandwidth usage.
- Private DNS: It runs its own DNS servers that don’t track your traffic.
- Helpful Support: Help is easily accessible through a support ticket or chat. Published reviews praise the quick replies.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer created a Malwarebytes account and used the VPN for everyday browsing. Here’s what stood out:
Malwarebytes VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Simple one-tap apps for beginners
- WireGuard protocol on every connection
- Kill switch and split tunneling included
- 60-day money-back guarantee
❌ Cons
- No third party audits of its no-logs policy
- Struggles with Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
- No Linux, router, or gaming console apps
- US base inside the Five Eyes alliance
Feature Comparison
Here’s how both tools compare across nine features, plus pricing. Keep one thing in mind. You’re comparing a protocol platform with a consumer app.
| Feature | OpenVPN | Malwarebytes VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 (Free plan) | $44.99/yr |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Open Source Code | ✅ | ❌ |
| Protocols | OpenVPN TCP & UDP | WireGuard only |
| Self-Hosted Server | ✅ | ❌ |
| Site-to-Site Networking | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bundled Antivirus | ❌ | ✅ |
| Identity Protection | ❌ | ✅ (Total plan) |
| Linux Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | IT teams and self-hosters | Home users who want simplicity |
1. Core Purpose & Remote Access
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is built for remote access into private networks. The OpenVPN Access Server gives admins one web panel to manage VPN users. Staff can reach office files from anywhere through one encrypted path.
Malwarebytes VPN: The Privacy VPN protects one person’s browsing, not a company network. It masks your IP address and hides your online activities. You can’t host your own server with it.
2. Protocols & Encryption
OpenVPN: OpenVPN builds its encryption protocols on SSL/TLS and the OpenSSL library. The TCP transmission control protocol mode favors reliable delivery. The UDP user datagram protocol mode favors speed.
TLS auth adds an HMAC firewall to each session. It uses a hash message authentication code to reject forged packets. That’s what keeps OpenVPN safe on hostile networks.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes uses only WireGuard and advertises AES-256 encryption. You can’t swap protocols or tune the settings. It may also store an anonymized public key to set up each connection.
⚠️ Warning: OpenVPN is only as secure as your setup. Weak encryption keys or sloppy config can expose sensitive data.
3. Speed & Performance
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is slower than newer tunneling protocols like WireGuard. Its extra encryption layers add overhead. Choosing the UDP protocol speeds up most OpenVPN connections.
Malwarebytes VPN: WireGuard should make it quick, but published speed tests tell a mixed story. One test measured a 34% drop on nearby Malwarebytes servers and 62% on distant ones. Gamers also mention high ping, so it’s not the fastest VPN.
💡 Pro Tip: Using a VPN always costs some speed, as with most VPNs. Run OpenVPN on UDP by default. Switch to TCP only when a network blocks UDP.
4. Access Control & Browsing Protection
OpenVPN: Zero trust rules check every user and device before granting access. A public key infrastructure issues certificates for each person. The authentication OpenVPN uses also accepts usernames and passwords.
Malwarebytes VPN: Browser Guard is a free extension that blocks scam sites and trackers. It works alongside the VPN for extra online privacy.
5. Threat Blocking
OpenVPN: CloudConnexa, the hosted version, adds DNS security and content filtering. It filters internet access so users can’t reach known phishing and malware domains.
Malwarebytes VPN: Here Malwarebytes has a clear edge. Paid plans pair the VPN with Premium antivirus that catches ransomware and spyware.
AdwCleaner, a free adware remover, rounds out the Malwarebytes products.
6. Privacy & Logging
OpenVPN: When you run your own OpenVPN servers, you control the logs. No VPN company sits between you and your data. The code is public, so anyone can check it for hidden tracking.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes says it doesn’t store IP addresses or bandwidth logs. Many VPNs now publish audit reports, but Malwarebytes hasn’t. Its privacy policy is also vague, and the company is US-based.
Its privacy tools also aim to shrink your digital footprint.
⚠️ Warning: Every privacy VPN review we read flags the missing audit. If verified no-logs matters, look at audited VPNs.
7. Devices & Platforms
OpenVPN: OpenVPN runs on almost any operating system, including routers with Tomato firmware. It handles IPv4 and IPv6 traffic. Its VPN clients also run on IoT devices in the field.
Malwarebytes VPN: You get a Windows app, a Mac desktop app, and an iOS app. Android mobile apps are covered too. There’s no Linux, router, Fire TV Stick, or gaming consoles support. It has no smart DNS feature for TVs either.
💡 Pro Tip: Stuck on an older Mac with macOS Catalina? Check the minimum system version before you buy.
8. Business Networking
OpenVPN: Site-to-site VPN tunnels link offices so teams share files like they’re in one building. OpenVPN scales from one remote worker to large organizations.
It can also secure access to the SaaS apps your team uses daily.
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes has no site-to-site or team networking features. It’s a personal privacy tool.
9. Identity Protection
OpenVPN: OpenVPN doesn’t monitor your personal identity. Its SaaS protection guards business app traffic instead.
Malwarebytes VPN: Want Malwarebytes protection beyond the VPN? The Total plan adds identity theft protection.
Dark web monitoring alerts you when your details show up in a leak.
A personal data remover also asks data brokers to delete your info.
10. Pricing & Cost
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Tier | OpenVPN | Malwarebytes VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free: $0 | ❌ (7-day trial only) |
| Entry | Growth: $7/month | Standard: $44.99/yr |
| Mid | — | Plus: $59.99/yr |
| Top | Enterprise: Custom | Total: $159.99/yr |
OpenVPN: The OpenVPN free tier costs nothing. Creating VPN tunnels with the Community Edition is free too. You only pay for more connections or managed hosting.
Malwarebytes VPN: There’s no free version of the VPN. You need Plus or Total to get it bundled. That’s fair value only if you also want the antivirus.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Zero budget | OpenVPN | Free plan and free Community Edition |
| Antivirus plus VPN | Malwarebytes VPN | Both come in one plan |
| Your own VPN server | OpenVPN | Full control of logs and keys |
| No setup at all | Malwarebytes VPN | One-tap apps |
| Business remote access | OpenVPN | Access Server and site-to-site links |
| Streaming | Neither | Other VPNs unblock more platforms |
💰 Your Budget
OpenVPN free is a real option, not a teaser. Malwarebytes only makes sense if you’d pay for antivirus anyway.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Running Linux, routers, or IoT gear? OpenVPN handles secure connections for all of them. Malwarebytes covers only Windows devices, Macs, and phones.
📝 Your Use Case
Connecting staff to office systems calls for OpenVPN. Hiding your IP on café Wi-Fi is easier with Malwarebytes.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners should start with Malwarebytes or a provider with OpenVPN preconfigured. Admins comfortable with .ovpn files will prefer OpenVPN.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Test OpenVPN on its Free plan with a real project. Use the Malwarebytes 7-day trial to check speeds on your own connection.
🛟 Support Options
Community Edition users rely on forums and docs, while paid OpenVPN tiers get business support. Hit issues downloading Malwarebytes? Its team answers tickets and chats quickly.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what changes if you switch.
🔄 Switching from OpenVPN to Malwarebytes VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- One-tap apps with auto connect and auto launch options
- Antivirus and Browser Guard in the same account
- Identity theft protection on the Total plan
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Open source code you can audit
- Self-hosting and site-to-site links
- Linux and router support
📋 How to switch:
- Back up your .ovpn files and disconnect the OpenVPN client.
- Create a Malwarebytes account and choose Plus or Total.
- Install the app, approve the VPN pop up window, and turn on the kill switch.
🔄 Switching from Malwarebytes VPN to OpenVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Full control over ciphers and keys
- Support for Linux, routers, and IoT devices
- A free plan with no yearly bill
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Bundled antivirus protection
- One-tap setup with zero config
- Dark web and identity monitoring
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel Malwarebytes within 60 days if you want a refund.
- Install OpenVPN Access Server or pick an OpenVPN compatible service.
- Install OpenVPN Connect or the OpenVPN GUI, then import your profile.
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individuals and small teams. We didn’t test Access Server at enterprise scale or custom Enterprise pricing. We also didn’t check whether any Malwarebytes locations run on virtual servers.
We didn’t test whether you can download torrents smoothly on Malwarebytes. Reports say it struggles with censorship in China, but we couldn’t verify that. Our notes reflect the September 2026 versions of both tools.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | OpenVPN |
| 🔐 Protocols & Encryption | OpenVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 🔌 Devices & Platforms | OpenVPN |
| 🕵️ Privacy Transparency | OpenVPN |
| 🛡️ Threat & Identity Protection | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 🏢 Business Networking | OpenVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | OpenVPN |
🏆 WINNER: OPENVPN
OpenVPN wins 5 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Self-hosted VPNs, business remote access, Linux and router setups
OpenVPN and Malwarebytes VPN solve different problems. OpenVPN is a toolkit for building your own virtual private network. Malwarebytes is a finished app for people who never want to touch a config file.
Is Malwarebytes Privacy VPN safe for everyday browsing? Yes, especially as an add-on to its antivirus.
But how well does Malwarebytes Privacy VPN work for streaming? Not well, and its small network and missing audits hold it back.
OpenVPN is free to start and open to inspection. It runs on nearly every device. If you want control and transparency, OpenVPN is the better choice.
More of OpenVPN Compared
Here’s how OpenVPN stacks up against popular virtual private networks:
OpenVPN wins on: self-hosted servers, a free tier, and code anyone can read.
NordVPN wins on: ready-made apps, a much larger server list, and streaming access.
OpenVPN wins on: zero cost, site-to-site networking, and full cipher choice.
ExpressVPN wins on: OpenVPN preconfigured out of the box, higher speeds, and a router app.
OpenVPN vs Surfshark
OpenVPN wins on: owning your logs, IoT support, and business access controls.
Surfshark wins on: OpenVPN as one tunneling protocol among several, unlimited devices, and ad blocking.
OpenVPN wins on: self-hosting, custom security protocol setups, and site-to-site links.
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, a free consumer plan, and no server upkeep.
More of Malwarebytes VPN Compared
Here’s how Malwarebytes VPN compares with other VPNs:
Malwarebytes VPN wins on: a simpler app, a bundled antivirus, and fewer settings to learn.
NordVPN wins on: more servers, dedicated streaming support, and independent audits.
Malwarebytes VPN vs ExpressVPN
Malwarebytes VPN wins on: a longer 60-day refund window, antivirus bundles, and MultiHop routing.
ExpressVPN wins on: router support, reliable streaming, and a wider server spread.
Malwarebytes VPN vs Surfshark
Malwarebytes VPN wins on: a trusted anti-malware engine, identity theft tools, and a cleaner interface.
Surfshark wins on: unlimited devices, Linux apps, and more protocol choices.
Malwarebytes VPN vs Private Internet Access
Malwarebytes VPN wins on: WireGuard-only simplicity, fast support replies, and antivirus in the same plan.
Private Internet Access wins on: choosing your OpenVPN encryption level, open source apps, and more simultaneous connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenVPN free?
Yes. The Community Edition is free to self-host. The business products also have a $0 Free plan. You only pay $7/month on Growth when you need more connections.
Is it safe to use OpenVPN?
Yes. It uses SSL/TLS, strong ciphers like AES, and Perfect Forward Secrecy. Its open code gets constant review. Just avoid weak keys and sloppy configuration.
Is Malwarebytes VPN any good?
It’s decent for basic privacy on public Wi-Fi. But it has a small network, patchy streaming, and no independent audits. It’s best as an add-on to Malwarebytes antivirus.
Does Malwarebytes VPN log data?
The company says no. Its policy excludes DNS requests, IP addresses, and bandwidth logs. No outside firm has audited that claim, though.
What is the difference between VPN and OpenVPN?
A VPN is the private tunnel itself. OpenVPN is one protocol, plus software, that builds that tunnel. Many VPN services use it inside their apps.
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